Impressions are important. They leave an
initial taste in people's mouths that can remain prevalent for the entire
relationship. If you are paranoid about what kind of impression you make, run
through these seven list items and see if you are consistent with them; if you
are, then you will probably expose the best of yourself. If not, then work to
meet these standards.
#1 DRESS
The absolute first impression you will make
on someone will be through your clothing, because that is what is seen from a
distance, and cannot change throughout your meeting. Make sure to dress
according to the situation-don' t over or under dress-and maintain within the
limits of good taste. If you aren't sure if what you're wearing looks good, ask
people for an honest opinion. One last thought: always, and I mean always, pull
up your pants.
#2 HYGIENE
Take a shower! Shave! Brush your teeth! You
must be fully bathed and groomed before you meet with someone for the first
time, because scruffy looking people generally don't seem as neat and mature.
Pay attention to the little elements like breath: keep a pack of mint gum with
you wherever you go, and periodically check to make sure you aren't killing
bugs every time you breathe out. If you sweat heavily, keep a small stick of
deodorant, and if you notice you're stinking you can freshen up. People notice
the minutiae!
#3 MANNERS
At the table and with other people be
civilized, polite and respectful: keep your elbows off of the table, open doors
for people and address everyone-initially, at least-by their formal title. This
will make an especially good impression on senior citizens, because you will
prove that you aren't one of those "new fanged punks."
#4 SPEECH
Have clean, clear diction and speak sans
"like" or "you know." It is important to be articulate because
that inspires a feeling of intelligence and education in the person you are
meeting with. Always leave out profanity, and whatever you do, make sure to
speak loud enough for all to hear, because conversationalists are easily
agitated if you force them say "excuse me?" more than a few times.
#5 DISCRETION
Choose what to share about yourself: forget
to tell everyone about that time you went camping and ruptured your appendix,
then fell face first into a pile of bug infested leaves-it is rude and will alienate
you from the group. Try to withhold from conversations on personal subjects
like religion or more disgusting topics like personal medical care. Before you
speak, think about the possible impact of what you might say, then imagine its
implications in the long run.
#6 HUMOR
Humor can be your most powerful tool or your
doom, because everyone has a slightly different sense of humor. What might be
hilarious to you might seem disgusting to another, or vice verse. Try to
withhold from any jokes that aren't family or dinner table friendly; you can
tell those later.
#7 START AND END WITH A BANG
Whoever you are meeting with will remember
how you greet them, and then in what manner you left them. If you feel you have
trouble with this, practice a few different phrases in the mirror, and
introduce elements like: "pleased to meet you," or "honored to
make your acquaintance.” Ignore the antiquity of these phrases; it often makes
them more memorable.
Making a good impression will set any
relationship off on a good foot. If you are in a situation where you need to be
judged at face value-such as a job interview or date-then make sure to go
through this list and make sure you are within bounds of reason and good taste
on all of your decisions.
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